Automobili Pininfarina has created a new electric hyper GT inspired by its family legacy and design heritage. Known as the Battista Edizione Nino Farina, it will have a dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week.
The hypercar will be piloted up the famous hill by former F1 star and hillclimb record holder, Nick Heidfeld who is also an advisor to the carmaker owned by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Following the success of the limited-edition Battista Anniversario, the latest model – only 5 units will be built – celebrates the illustrious racing career and fearless spirit of motorsport legend and the first ever F1 World Champion Nino Farina, nephew of design icon and company founder Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina.
Homage to Nino Farinás racing cars
The unique exterior design is finished in bespoke Rosso Nino – a deep and rich red hue that pays homage to the cars Nino Farina drove throughout his racing career. The intricate body and Rosso Nino paint is complemented by a special livery on the lower body, finished in Bianco Sestriere and Iconica Blu.
The Bianco Sestriere and Iconica Blu detailing extends to the bespoke pinstripe on the door mirrors and underside of the rear wing – with bespoke graphics including a laurel wreath – while the number ‘01’ in Bianco Sestriere is featured in a large graphic on the rear panel behind the door.
Providing added exterior distinction is the Furiosa Pack, comprising a revised carbonfibre front splitter, side blades and rear diffuser, finished with a Bianco Sestriere pinstripe, while the Carbon Accent Pack is finished in Black Exposed Signature Carbon.
Dark detailing extends to the Goccia roof, while the Exterior Jewellery Pack is finished in brushed aluminium, anodised in black. This complements the black brake calipers and centre lock rings, which are finished in brushed aluminium anodised in black. New 10-spoke forged aluminium Glorioso alloy wheel designs feature a distinctive Satin Gold finish.
References to Farina
Subtle exterior detailing referencing Nino Farina is visible around the car. Each unit will feature a unique aluminium door plate celebrating one of five outstanding landmarks in Nino’s impressive career. A bespoke ‘Nino Farina’ engraving on the headlight unit is finished in brushed aluminium anodised in black, while the driver’s side carbon side wing is enhanced with a ‘Nino Farina’ graphic signature.
Bespoke interior features include a driver’s seat finished in Black Sustainable Leather, beside a contrasting passenger seat finished in Beige Leather, with both featuring Black Alcantara trim and exclusive ‘Nino Farina’ inscriptions
1,900 ps and 2,340 Nm
Four independent high-performance electric motors – one driving each wheel – generate a combined 1,400 kW (1,900 ps} with 2,340 Nm of torque. Full Torque Vectoring, Electronic Stability Control and a software differential allow drivers to tailor the power delivery and handling responses.
Like the Battista and Battista Anniversario, the Edizione Nino Farina is also the world’s first pure-electric hyper GT. It utilises a high-capacity 120 kWh lithium-ion battery contained within a strong but lightweight carbonfibre housing. The T-shaped liquid-cooled battery pack is mounted centrally behind the seats to ensure a low centre of gravity.
0-100 km/h in 1.86 seconds
The Battista’s unique launch control technology contributes to Formula 1 car-beating acceleration, confirmed during launch events in the Middle East. It can reach 100 km/h 1.86 seconds after take-off and 200 km/h within 3.75 seconds. A range of 476 kms is claimed, all with zero emissions, of course.
About Nino Farina
Nino Farina’s passion for motorsport that led him to be a World Champion was ignited by his uncle, Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina, the founder of Carrozzeria Pininfarina.
Nino, then 16, had accompanied him as a passenger in a race. This established his appetite for competition and Nino went on to take part in numerous races and championships across Italy in the 1930s.
In 1950, Nino competed in the first Grand Prix races formally organised by the FIA – today’s Formula 1 World Championship – leading a 3-car team.
In his first year of World Championship driving, Nino won the British, Swiss and Italian races, taking the overall World Championship in the process. He led his teammates to a 1-2-3 finish at the very first race of 1950, at Silverstone, and completed the season by winning at the Italian Grand Prix in September.
He was a highly respected Formula 1 driver among his peers, noted for his fearless driving and passion for the sport – which contributed to his early F1 wins in his debut year. But that fearless driving character also meant that he sustained many injuries, including being seriously burned at Monza in 1954.
Eventually, in 1955, he retired (partly due to the pain he endured) and became a successful Alfa Romeo dealer. Sadly, in 1966, as he was driving from Turin to attend the French Grand Prix, the first World Champion died when his Lotus-Cortina skidded off the road.